Early Monday morning the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a burglary at Dale’s Recycling, at 645 Gerdau Drive in North Madison County, according to a news release.

After the police investigated, it was determined that a safe containing a Thermo Niton XL3t Metal Analyzer, which is used for detection of various metal types and contains a small amount of radiation, was taken in the burglary.

According to the release, any misuse or mishandling of the device could result in a low dosage of radiation exposure.

Anyone coming into contact with the device is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office or their local emergency management office immediately.

Ceremony for anniversary of late sheriff Buford Pusser’s death

A memorial procession by law enforcement vehicles will begin at 11:30 a.m. today to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of legendary McNairy County sheriff Buford Pusser.

The procession begins at the McNairy County Fairground site and continues to the site where Pusser died in a car crash on Highway 64.

At noon a brief memorial ceremony will begin at the crash site. The late sheriff’s daughter, Dwana Pusser Garrison, and other dignitaries will speak. An honor guard and 21-gun salute are planned.

Jackson-Madison County Schools receive grants for walking trails

The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department presented North Side High School and Nova Elementary School principals with checks for $7,000 to help promote healthy living in the schools.

The schools will use the funds to complete walking trails for their campuses.

The Jackson-Madison County School System Nutrition Department also received $7,000 from the Health Department.

With the money, the nutrition department will use USDA Food Service Guidelines and Nutrition Standards to encourage healthier eating through nutrition education, tasting parties with students and developing a fresh fruit and vegetable marketing program for students.

The checks were presented at the Board of Education central office on Wednesday.

JMCSS addresses tall grass at schools

In a statement concerning tall grass at some Jackson-Madison County Schools, the school system said it appreciates the recent community involvement in keeping the grounds maintained.

Officials said they are aware that some school grounds were overgrown during the transition from services provided by system employees to contracted services with GCA. The contract began Aug. 1.

A GCA representative told school officials a second round of lawn cutting will start Aug. 22 and all campuses will have been cut twice in August.

GCA also told the district that the first round of cutting was a challenge due to the height of the grass at some campuses, lack of a full cutting crew before the transition, and rain, which delayed the cutting on two days.

According to the statement, school grounds will be cut on a 14-day cycle.

The school system thanked the community for the volunteer spirit in wanting to make sure schools are neat and safe.

“The recent effort of volunteers reaching out to assist in expediting the progress at their neighborhood school is appreciated, and the district welcomes future opportunities for volunteers to partner with our schools to exhibit the spirit of community and school pride because ‘We are all in this together,’” the statement said.

Dangerously hot temperatures expected this week

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for much of the Mid-South, including parts of West Tennessee, on Wednesday, and said more such warnings likely will be needed this week.

Hot temperatures may combine with humid air to produce heat index readings between 105 and 108 degrees. The heat index measures how hot it feels.

These conditions are expected to continue today and persist into the weekend, the weather service said.

The weather service offered this advice: Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. When possible, reschedule any strenuous activity to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light-weight and loose-fitting clothes when possible, and drink plenty of water. Check up on relatives and neighbors.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call 911 if someone has symptoms.

‘Puzzled to Purpose’ by Tasha Hart

Tasha Hart, local author, has released her first work, titled “Puzzled to Purpose.” The book shares the process of connecting life experiences and relationships to direct purpose in an individual’s life.

Originally from Indiana, Hart is married to Chad Hart, of the Jackson Fire Department. The couple won a makeover of their home from the Oprah Winfrey Network.

After this experience, Tasha Hart visited Winfrey during her Lifeclass in St. Louis.

The guest speaker for the event was Bishop T.D. Jakes, who spoke on the subject of purpose. It is these experiences, as well as others along with the many relationships and chance encounters Tasha Hart has had that inspired her to write this book.

“Puzzled to Purpose” has been published by Westbow Press, an affiliate of Thomas Nelson, and is available online at Books-A-Million, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book is also available directly from the author at tashartlife.com.